KINGSTON, Jamaica — Twenty-four of the 31 crew members on board the 90-foot Jamaican-owned fishing vessel “Shiloh”, which ran into difficulties on Sunday, March 6, in Caymanian waters, have been repatriated to Jamaica.

Another two are expected to depart Grand Cayman today while five crew members — including the captain, a co-owner and the engineer — have opted to remain on board the vessel.

In a news release Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said with the assistance of the Honorary Consulate of Jamaica in Cayman, one fisherman left Grand Cayman for Kingston on Friday, March 11, and the another 23 crew members were repatriated by air on Sunday, March 13.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said after running into difficulties, the fishing vessel was safely towed into George Town Harbour on Tuesday, March 8, with the 31-member crew on board.

“The vessel had left Kingston Harbour on the morning of 6th March destined for the Misteriosa Bank for 15 days, when it developed engine problems,” the ministry said. 

The Office of the Jamaican Honorary Consul in George Town, Grand Cayman, was notified of the arrival of the vessel and according to the ministry, Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Cayman, Dr Joseph Marzouca, and Honorary Vice-Consul, Elaine Harris, were at the dock to meet the crew.

“Caymanian Immigration and Customs Authorities interviewed the crew, all of whom were granted temporary admittance,” the release continued.

The ministry says it understands that the plan is for the owners of the vessel to send another vessel to tow the disabled craft back to Jamaica. However, weather conditions and other circumstances have delayed the departure.